VIU will look much different in the fall as a new hybrid model of teaching is introduced. (VIU)

By Spencer Sterritt

new classrooms

Vancouver Island University working to find balance between distance and on-campus learning

May 13, 2020 | 6:14 AM

NANAIMO — The groundwork is being laid for how students will safely receive an education from Vancouver Island University.

It’s moving to a hybrid model of teaching, much like many other post-secondary institutions and school districts.

VIU’s provost and vice-president academic Carol Stuart told NanaimoNewsNOW every teacher in every program has carefully considered what can be done through distance-teaching, what can be handled by the students themselves and what must be taught face-to-face on campus.

“There’s a lot of work you can do through technology…that actually fulfills the type of experiential learnings we undertake.”

While teaching through video conferencing can apply across the board for literary-based classes, it comes up against serious limitations for the many other hands-on programs VIU offers such as nursing and trades.

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“We’re asking (teachers) to think carefully about: one, can this particular learning outcome be achieved by the student with some kind of distant direction from the instructor, or can they go do that activity on their own? Two, are there ways to let student do this through their computer or some other way?”

Everything which can’t be answered by the first two questions will likely be left to a face-to-face classroom experience, while keeping with social distancing guidelines.

The size of classrooms could also change. Bringing all students of a particular course into one classroom is a matter teachers will decide.

It’s a fairly substantial shift for the university. Stuart said they knew COVID-19 was going to create fundamental changes.

“We’re thinking about and watching what habits people develop. As we get our plans done for fall and into January we’ll start to turn our mind to some of those things.”

Further details for each program, such as what aspects will be done through distance learning and what will be done on campus, are expected by June 8.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit